Friends of Dave #161: Just a Jerk
Whether it is a cat, a goldfish or a person, one thing is clear: no one likes a jerk.
Not much going here this week, Friends, other than a friendly reminder not to be a jerk. People might like the movie The Jerk, but they generally don't like jerks.
For those who feel they are already masters of avoiding jerkery, check out the Random articles for the feline inspiration to this preamble.
For everyone else, here are a few simple rules on how not to be a jerk:
-- I've said it here before, but don't "ghost" people. Especially in any business context. No matter how busy you are or how annoying or pushy they may be . Ever.
-- Following an interview, always send "thank you" emails to each person with whom interacted (especially the assistants, admins, and people you may not think are the decision makers but do have influence on the process) within 48 hours.
-- Never take the last piece of bacon without asking.
-- Feel free to type whatever political rant you want on your social media platform of choice, wait 30 seconds, AND THEN DELETE IT BEFORE POSTING IT.
-- If someone accepts a LinkedIn connection request from you, wait at least 1-2 days before you then pitch them something or make any sort of ask.
-- When making an intro via email, ALWAYS ALWAYS use the "double opt-in" approach. And always provide a link to each party's LinkedIn profile as part of the intro as a courtesy.
-- If you "opt-in" to an intro that someone has proposed, make sure you follow up within 24-48 hours of the intro being made, even it is a one line reply saying you are "swamped" and will get back to the person as soon as you can. After 48 hours, any email you send in the thread should start with a sincere apology to both the person who made the intro and the other introduced party.
-- MUST. ALWAYS. RESIST. GETTING. IN. THE. LAST. WORD.
-- Dial-in meetings have an accepted 2-5 minute grace period on the start time. If you are 10 minutes later or more, an email or text better be inbound apologizing for dropping the ball.
-- Honestly, when it comes down to it, no one gives a shit if you were in Davos this week.
That's all folks. Have a great one this weekend!
XOXO
Dave
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North Carolina animal shelter's adoption ad for a sassy cat: 'She's just a jerk'
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